How to Get a Visa for the UK

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American tourists staying in the United Kingdom for less than six months are not required to obtain a visa; however, U.S. citizens planning on working, completing volunteer work or attending a year of school in the U.K. must apply for a visa prior to their visit. Visa applications take time to process --- file yours well in advance of your travel dates.

Items you will need

Passport

Address in the United Kingdom

Travel itinerary

E-mail address

Printout of completed application

Step 1

Determine the type of visa you need by visiting the U.K. Border Agency's "Do I Need a Visa?" web page. Provide information about the purpose of your visit to the United Kingdom, your citizenship and your country of residence to learn which type of visa, if any, is required for your trip.

Step 2

Complete the online visa application, available on the U.K. Border Agency website. Before beginning the application, make sure you have access to your passport, travel dates and itinerary and the address of where you'll be staying while you're in the U.K. Save your application often, by clicking on the pause button when it is available. Once you have completed the entire application, pay any required visa fees and print a copy of your application to submit at a visa application center.

Step 3

Schedule an appointment at the nearest visa application center by using the U.K. Border Agency's online scheduling tool, available once you have finished your visa application. The appointment is required so that your biometric information, fingerprints and photograph can be obtained and your printed application and supporting documents can be submitted.

Step 4

Visit the visa application center at your selected time. Bring along a printed copy of your visa application, your valid passport and any other documentation required for your specific visa type. Make sure your fingertips and face are clean and free of cuts or markings before arriving at the center, and remove any sunglasses and nonreligious head coverings before having your picture taken.

Step 5

Complete an interview with a U.K. visa officer if one is requested. While most visa applications are processed and returned without incident, occasionally an interview must be scheduled to clarify any questions the officer has about your application.

Step 6

Pick up your visa and supporting documentation from the visa application center once you receive word that your visa has been granted.